Joe’s Health Calendar 12/24/12 Walk More Eat Less

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Donate Toys for Children and Family Crime Victims

Last day to donate Dec. 24 (today): Stockton Police Youth Activities is accepting donations of toys, clothes, etc., for its annual Christmas Day Delivery to children and families who have been victims of violent crime during 2012. The SPYA has teamed up with Arroyo’s Café and the San Joaquin County Victim/Witness Program to assist these families who are in need and to bring them some holiday spirit. Any donation can be dropped off at Arroyo’s Café, 2381 W. March Lane, Stockton, or by calling the SPYA at (209) 937-8209.

Total-Joint Replacement Class

Dec. 27 (Thursday) 1 p.m. knee class; 2 p.m. hip class (or Jan. 10, Jan. 24): Lodi Memorial Hospital’s Outpatient-Rehabilitation Services offers a free, educational class for those planning to have total joint-replacement surgery of the hip or knee at Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. Learn about preparations and exercises to do before surgery; the day of surgery and what to expect during the hospital stay; rehabilitation following surgery; techniques to decrease pain and swelling; and ways to promote maximum healing and return to normal function. Call (209) 333-3136 for more information or to sign up for the class. Family and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. For information on other classes, visit www.lodihealth.org.

Free Support Group for Mothers Invested in Baby

Dec. 28 (Friday) English 9 a.m., Spanish 11 a.m.: San Joaquin County Public Health Services is pleased to announce a new program, Mothers Invested in Baby/Madres Invertidas en Bebe (MI Baby/MI Bebe). The goal of the program is to decrease childhood obesity through support group sessions with mothers. Support group sessions are provided for free in English and Spanish, through a First 5 San Joaquin grant. This program is open to new mothers and mothers with children age 5 and younger in San Joaquin County. Support group topics include healthy eating and active living tips. Sessions offer a comfortable, supportive environment with a fun, interactive educational component. Information: (209) 468-8620or (209) 468-8637. The final MI Baby/MI Bebe program this year is at Lodi Memorial Hospital Education Department, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi.

Breastfeeding Class in Lodi

Jan. 3 (Thursday) 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (or Feb. 7): Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers “Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start,” a free, one-session class covering the advantages of breastfeeding, basic anatomy, the breastfeeding process, common problems and solutions. An additional breastfeeding class for working moms is held Jan. 22, 6:30 to 8 p.m., and is available only to participants who have already attended “Breastfeeding: Getting off to a Great Start.” Call (209) 339-7520 to register. For information on other classes, visit www.lodihealth.org.

Is Valley Ready for Health Reform?

Jan. 15 (Tuesday) 3 to 5 p.m. presentation and panel discussion; 5 to 7 p.m. reception: The San Joaquin Valley lags other parts of the state in preparing for health reform, according to a new report from the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF). Join local and national experts in a candid discussion about the state of health care in the Central Valley, including readiness to implement key elements of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, at Peters Educational Auditorium, California State University, Fresno. Click here to register. Space is limited. Register online by Jan. 8. The discussion will be anchored by a report produced for CHCF by the Center for Studying Health System Change and based on interviews with 26 Fresno health care leaders, along with state leaders. Click here for the complete report. Following a presentation of findings by lead researcher Joy Grossman, local health care and community leaders will react and discuss ideas for addressing the challenges. There will be time for audience questions and comments. Speakers and panelists include:

Dr. Edward Moreno, director and health officer, Fresno County Department of Public Health

Dr. Marcia Sablan, rural physician

Stephen Schilling, CEO, Clinica Sierra Vista

Moderator: Rebecca Plevin, reporter, Valley Public Radio

San Joaquin General Hospital Interim Board Meeting

Jan. 16 (Wednesday) 4:30 p.m.: San Joaquin General Hospital Interim Board of Trustees will meet for its January meeting at Health Plan of San Joaquin, 7751 S. Manthey Road, French Camp. The meeting is open to the public. Information: (209) 461-2257 or pschenken@hpsj.com.

Big-Brother/Big-Sister Class in Lodi

Jan. 16 (Wednesday) 3 to 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers a free big-brother/big-sister preparation class for children ages 3-8 to help youngsters adjust to the arrival of the new baby. Call (209) 339-7520 to register. For information on other classes, visit www.lodihealth.org.

Insectfest (Science for Kids)

Jan. 26 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Come join the World of Wonders Science Museum, 2 N. Sacramento St., Lodi, for a day of insect-dedicated fun. The WOW Science Museum will be filled with a variety of insects brought to you by local stores and museums. In addition to the chance to touch some of their creepy crawlers, the WOW will offer temporary face tattoos, arts and crafts, and other bug-related activities. Come see what “all the buzz” is about! Regular museum admission prices apply.

Free Mass Fatalities Planning and Response Training

Feb. 12 (Tuesday) 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: The Rural Domestic Preparedness Consortium (RDPC) is making it easier for emergency responders in the Northern San Joaquin Valley to be prepared for such events by delivering a free U.S. Department of Homeland Security-certified course in mass fatality planning and response for rural communities. This eight-hour instructor-led course will be offered at the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Regional Training Center, 3805 Cornucopia Way, Modesto, giving participants the basics of mass fatality response while providing the opportunities to exchange rural perceptions and brainstorm solutions to simulated emergencies. Registration deadline is Jan. 29.Click here to register.

NEWS

CHNA.org is a free web-based platform designed to assist hospitals (with particular attention to critical access and other smaller facilities), nonprofit organizations, state and local health departments, financial institutions, and other organizations seeking to better understand the needs and assets of their communities, and to collaborate to make measurable improvements in community health and well-being.

State Makes it Easier to Dispute Health Plan

The California Department of Managed Health Care (DMHC) launched a new secure, easy-to-use online form to allow Californians to file complaints regarding their health plan quickly and easily from any computer. The portal (click here), available in both English and Spanish, enables consumers to request an external review of a health plan’s denial of medical services, known as an Independent Medical Review. Previously, health plan enrollees had to submit the required forms and paperwork via mail or fax. “With more Californians to gain health care coverage under the Affordable Care Act, this new online portal will ensure there is a fast and easy way for them to get the care they are entitled to,” said Diana Dooley, secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency. Each year, the DMHC receives and resolves approximately 4,000 complaints from health plan members. Topics range from issues relating to access to care, claims, enrollment, benefits or coordination of care. Additionally, the DMHC annually administers approximately 1,700 Independent Medical Reviews of a health plan denial of service. These reviews are conducted by independent doctors not affiliated with the health plan. ”This new online portal will help more Californians take advantage of the free health care assistance available through the Department of Managed Health Care’s Help Center,” said Brent Barnhart, DMHC director. The DMHC also unveiled two new online videos explaining the services available through the DMHC Help Center. Independent Medical Review process: http://youtu.be/zUjzcAVqjqY. Services available through the DMHC Help Center: http://youtu.be/zIbsB_1lz6Y. The secure complaint portal and online videos were funded through a federal Affordable Care Act grant. The DMHC regulates managed care health plans in California, protects the rights of approximately 20 million health plan enrollees, educates consumers on their health care rights and responsibilities, and preserves the financial stability of the managed health care system. Since 2000, the department has helped more than 1 million Californians resolve health plan problems through its Help Center. Information and assistance is available 24/7 at www.HealthHelp.ca.gov or by calling (888) 466-2219.

Obese Children More Vulnerable to Food Advertising

Rates of childhood obesity have tripled in the past 30 years, and food marketing has been implicated as one factor contributing to this trend. Every year, companies spend more than $10 billion in the United States marketing their food and beverages to children; 98 percent of the food products advertised to children on television are high in fat, sugar or sodium. In a new study scheduled for publication in The Journal of Pediatrics, researchers used neuroimaging to study the effects of food logos on obese and healthy weight children. Amanda S. Bruce, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Kansas Medical Center assessed 10 healthy weight and 10 obese children, ages 10-14 years, using both self-reported measures of self-control and functional magnetic resonance imaging, which uses blood flow as a measure of brain activity. Bruce states, “We were interested in how brain responses to food logos would differ between obese and healthy weight children.” The children were shown 60 food logos and 60 nonfood logos, and functional magnetic resonance imaging scans indicated which sections of the brain reacted to the familiar logos being shown. Obese children showed greater activation in some reward regions of the brain than healthy weight children when shown the food logos. Healthy weight children showed greater brain activation in regions of the brain associated with self-control, when shown food vs. nonfood logos. Overall, healthy weight children self-reported more self-control than the obese children. This adds to the body of research showing that in certain situations, healthy weight individuals experience greater activation of control regions of the brain than obese individuals. “This study provides preliminary evidence that obese children may be more vulnerable to the effects of food advertising. One of the keys to improving health-related decision-making may be found in the ability to improve self-control,” notes Dr. Bruce. Self-control training may be a beneficial addition to obesity and behavioral health interventions, and may lead to greater success in weight loss.

Over-the-counter birth control will benefit Latina health

TheAmerican Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommendation that hormonal birth control (i.e. birth control pills) be sold over-the-counter to increase access and prevent unintended pregnancy would benefit Latina health, according to the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health. “The recommendation that birth control be available over-the-counter supports what we know about Latinas and contraception: over-the-counter access will greatly reduce the systemic barriers, like poverty, immigration status and language, that currently prevent Latinas from regularly accessing birth control and results in higher rates of unintended pregnancy. Over-the-counter birth control will enable more Latinas to plan the timing and spacing of their families, particularly immigrant Latinas who are expressly barred from accessing benefits under the Affordable Care Act. It’s time for affordable, highly effective oral contraception to be over-the-counter and available alongside condoms and cough medicine. The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Health urges wide adoption of these recommendations for Latina health.”

Breast Cancer 2nd Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths for Women

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the United States. A new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report notes that black women have the highest death rates from breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group, and that black women are 40 percent more likely to die of breast cancer than white women. In light of this, CDC has put together a digital press kit on racial disparities in breast cancer, which includes fact sheets, videos and podcasts, and a quote from CDC Director Dr. Thomas Frieden. View the information here.

First 5 San Joaquin invites you to partner with us to help families and communities in San Joaquin County GET FIT! Recent reports indicate that 1 in 5 children between 2-5 years old are already overweight or obese. More than two-thirds of obese children will become obese adults. Obesity can cause health problems that may include high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and elevated blood cholesterol levels. Children who are physically fit are less likely to suffer from chronic diseases in childhood and adulthood, and are more likely to become physically active adults. This quarter’s health messaging efforts will focus on equipping educators and advocates with resources to help families to GET FIT. Read on for more information and resources to assist you in your efforts. Join the movement to help families make the change!

Sutter Gould Flu Shot Clinic Schedule

Sutter Gould Medical Foundation conducts flu shot clinics for their patients in the Central Valley. The cost is $20 for a cash paying patient, but often the patient’s insurance plan will cover that charge. We encourage SGMF patients to obtain their vaccination during these flu shot clinics and to check with their insurance to see if this is a covered cost. Click here for the clinic schedule. SGMF patients may also receive a flu shot during a regular office appointment, but again, should check to see if insurance covers it, as the cost may be higher due to office visit copays, professional visit fees, etc.

California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has unveiled a new consumer protection tool for California seniors, who have traditionally been prime targets for con artists. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) is hosting a new Web site www.seniors.ca.gov to educate seniors and their advocates and provide helpful information about how to avoid becoming victims of personal or financial abuse. The Web site, called Senior Gateway, is important because seniors, including older veterans, are disproportionately at risk of being preyed upon financially and subjected to neglect and abuse. The Senior Gateway is sponsored by the Elder Financial Abuse Interagency Roundtable (E-FAIR), convened by CDI and includes representatives from many California agencies who share a common purpose of safeguarding the welfare of California’s seniors. “The goal of this collaborative effort is to assemble, in one convenient location, valuable information not only for seniors, but their families and caregivers. This site will help California seniors find resources and solve problems, and will enable participating agencies to better serve this important segment of our population,” Jones said. The site offers seniors valuable tips and resources in the following areas, and more:

Avoiding and reporting abuse and neglect by in-home caregivers or in facilities; learn about different types of abuse and the warning signs.

Knowing your rights before buying insurance; what seniors need to know about annuities.

Investing wisely and understanding the ins and outs of reverse mortgages.

The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box

The Central Valley Health Policy Institute based at Fresno State has developed an Affordable Care Act Policy Education Tool, “The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box,” to be offered to community organizations and members of the public. The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box can be described as a basic curriculum and process for introducing the Affordable Care Act, understanding its flaws, options for improvement and understanding the Romney/Ryan voucher care alternative. “It’s a nice, objective, nonpartisan presentation,” said Dr. John Capitman, executive director of the Central Valley Health Policy Institute. “People learn tools that can be used for making their own judgments about health care reform.” Included in The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box is a complete power point presentation with a full script and accompanying participant workbook. The workbook provides a frame through which health care policy should be examined, as well as an examination of the ACA and Ryan/Romney proposal. The Workshop-in-a-Box also includes a supporting glossary, reference section, quick sheets and current health care policy news. The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box is designed so that even a health care policy novice can learn, examine and understand the ACA in a way that allows them the capacity to engage others in the debate around current health care policy options in the U.S. “We will facilitate workshops with organizations that request the service and will also provide the Workshop-in-a-Box to others in the hopes that they facilitate The Great Health Care Debate Workshop in their own communities or organizations,” Capitman said. To request The Great Health Care Debate Workshop-in-a-Box or to schedule a workshop, contact Dr. John Capitman at (559) 228-2159.

Affordable Care Act Toolkits

As consumers, businesses and health plans continue to prepare for full implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, the California Department of Managed Health Care has released aseries of toolkits to educate Californians about the changes that have already occurred in the health care system. “The Affordable Care Act puts in place strong new consumer protections, provides additional coverage options and gives people more tools to make informed choices about their health care,” DMHC Director Brent Barnhart said. “These toolkits are designed to ensure that individuals, families, seniors and businesses are aware of the ways they can benefit from these changes in our health care system.” The four toolkits are designed to provide information and resources targeted to individuals, families, seniors and small businesses and contain audience specific questions and answers, a resource guide, and fact sheets on topics such as: when a plan can cancel your coverage; how to file a grievance or appeal; how to keep your coverage through a “grandfathered” health plan; getting the most from your health care dollars; and the Pre-Existing Condition Insurance Plan (PCIP). The toolkits were funded through a federal Affordable Care Act consumer assistance grant.

$5,000 Grants Help Pay for Children’s Medical Expenses

UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation (UHCCF) is seeking grant applications from families in need of financial assistance to help pay for their child’s health care treatments, services or equipment not covered, or not fully covered, by their commercial health insurance plan. Qualifying families can receive up to $5,000 to help pay for medical services and equipment such as physical, occupational and speech therapy, counseling services, surgeries, prescriptions, wheelchairs, orthotics, eyeglasses and hearing aids. To be eligible for a grant, children must be 16 years of age or younger. Families must meet economic guidelines, reside in the United States and have a commercial health insurance plan. Grants are available for medical expenses families have incurred 60 days prior to the date of application as well as for ongoing and future medical needs. Parents or legal guardians may apply for grants at www.uhccf.org, and there is no application deadline. Organizations or private donors can make tax-deductible donations to the foundation at this website. In 2011, UHCCF awarded more than 1,200 grants to families across the United States for treatments associated with medical conditions such as cancer, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, diabetes, hearing loss, autism, cystic fibrosis, Down syndrome, ADHD and cerebral palsy.

Facts About Fruits and Vegetables

We’re FAT!

Questions About Health Reform Law?

How are small businesses affected by health reform?

Will everyone have to buy health insurance?

How will the new provision allowing young adults to remain on a parent’s insurance work?

The FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) section of the Kaiser Family Foundation’s new Health Reform Source provides concise answers to common questions about the health reform law. You can search for your question or submit a new question if yours is not addressed. http://healthreform.kff.org/faq.aspx. Additional questions addressing the affordability of health insurance, how programs like Medicare and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) will be financed under health reform and others are addressed in a series of Video Explainer clips featuring foundation experts answering specific questions about the law on a variety of health policy topics.http://healthreform.kff.org/video-explainers.aspx. Kaiser’s Health Reform Source, http://healthreform.kff.org, an online gateway providing easy access to new and comprehensive resources on the health reform law, provides these and other new features and tools including an interactive timeline showing when health-reform provisions take effect, all the latest polling data, links to other information resources, and the latest health-reform headlines from Kaiser Health News.

Respiratory Support Group for Better Breathing

First Tuesday of month 10 to 11 a.m.:Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi, and the American Lung Association of California Valley Lode offer a free “Better Breathers’” respiratory-support group for people and their family members with breathing problems including asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. Participants will learn how to cope with chronic lung disease, understand lungs and how they work and use medications and oxygen properly. Pre-registration is recommended by calling (209) 339-7445. For information on other classes available at Lodi Memorial, visit its website at www.lodihealth.org.

The Beat Goes On Cardiac Support Group

First Tuesday of month 11 a.m. to noon: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers a free cardiac support group at Lodi Memorial Hospital West, 800 S. Lower Sacramento Road, Lodi. “The Beat Goes On” cardiac support group is a community-based nonprofit group that offers practical tools for healthy living to heart disease patients, their families and caregivers. Its mission is to provide community awareness that those with heart disease can live well through support meetings and educational forums. Upcoming topics include exercise, stress management and nutrition counseling services. All are welcomed to attend. Information: (209) 339-7664.

Planned Childbirth Services

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.:Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, hosts a four-class series which answers questions and prepares mom and her partner for labor and birth. Bring two pillows and a comfortable blanket or exercise mat to each class. These classes are requested during expecting mother’s third trimester. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 orwww.Dameronhospital.org.

Say Yes to Breastfeeding

Tuesdays 6 to 8 p.m.:Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class that outlines the information and basic benefits and risk management of breastfeeding. Topics include latching, early skin-to-skin on cue, expressing milk and helpful hints on early infant feeding. In addition, the hospital offers a monthly Mommy and Me-Breastfeeding support group where mothers, babies and hospital clerical staff meet the second Monday of each month. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Precious Preemies

Second Tuesday of the month, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.: Precious Preemies: A Discussion Group for Families Raising Premature Infants and Infants with Medical Concerns required registration and is held at Family Resource Network, Sherwood Executive Center, 5250 Claremont Ave., Suite 148, Stockton. Information: www.frcn.org/calendar.aspor (209) 472-3674 or (800) 847-3030.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous

Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA) is a free Twelve Step recovery program for anyone suffering from food obsession, overeating, undereating or bulimia. For more information or a list of additional meetings throughout the U.S. and the world, call (781) 932-6300 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

Break From Stress

Wednesdays 6 to 7 p.m.: St. Joseph’s Medical Center offers the community a break from their stressful lives with Break from Stress sessions. These sessions are free, open to the public, with no pre-registration necessary. Just drop in, take a deep breath and relax through a variety of techniques. Break from Stress sessions are held in St. Joseph’s Cleveland Classroom (behind HealthCare Clinical Lab on California Street just north of the medical center. Information:SJCancerInfo@DignityHealth.orgor (209) 467-6550.

Mother-Baby Breast Connection

Wednesdays 1 to 3 p.m.: Join a lactation consultant for support and advice on the challenges of early breastfeeding. Come meet other families and attend as often as you like. A different topic of interest will be offered each week with time for breastfeeding assistance and questions. Pre-registration is required. Call (209) 467-6331. St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Pavilion Conference Room (1st floor), 1800 N. California St., Stockton.

Adult Children With Aging Relatives

Second Wednesday of month 4:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital offers an Adult Children with Aging Relatives support group at the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center. Information: (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Smoking Cessation Class in Lodi

Wednesdays 3 to 4 p.m.:Lodi Memorial Hospital, 975 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi, offers an eight-session smoking-cessation class for those wishing to become smoke free. Classes are held weekly in the LMH Pulmonary Rehabilitation Department. Topics covered include benefits of quitting; ways to cope with quitting; how to deal with a craving; medications that help with withdrawal; and creating a support system. Call the LMH Lung Health Line at (209) 339-7445 to register.

Individual Stork Tours At Dameron

Wednesdays 5 to 7 p.m.: Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers 30 minute guided tours that provide expecting parents with a tour of Labor/Delivery, the Mother-Baby Unit and an overview of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. New mothers are provided information on delivery services, where to go and what to do once delivery has arrived, and each mother can create an individual birthing plan. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Brain Builders Weekly Program

Thursdays 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lodi Memorial Hospital and the Hutchins Street Square Senior Center offer “Brain Builders,” a weekly program for people in the early stages of memory loss. There is a weekly fee of $25. Registration is required. Information or to register, call (209) 369-4443 or (209) 369-6921.

Infant CPR and Safety

Second Thursday of month 5 to 7 p.m.:Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, offers a class to family members to safely take care of their newborn. Family members are taught infant CPR and relief of choking, safe sleep and car seat safety. Regarding infant safety, the hospital offers on the fourth Thursday of each month from 5 to 7 p.m. a NICU/SCN family support group. This group is facilitated by a Master Prepared Clinical Social Worker and the Dameron NICU staff with visits from the hospital’s neonatologist. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN (209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Group Meetings for Alzheimer’s Patients, Caregivers

Thursdays 10 to 11:30 a.m.: The Alzheimer’s Aid Society of Northern California in conjunction with Villa Marche residential care facility conducts a simultaneous Caregiver’s Support Group and Patient’s Support Group at Villa Marche, 1119 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton. Caregivers, support people or family members of anyone with dementia are welcome to attend the caregiver’s group, led by Rita Vasquez. It’s a place to listen, learn and share. At the same time, Alzheimer’s and dementia patients can attend the patient’s group led by Sheryl Ashby. Participants will learn more about dementia and how to keep and enjoy the skills that each individual possesses. There will be brain exercises and reminiscence. The meeting is appropriate for anyone who enjoys socialization and is able to attend with moderate supervision. Information: (209) 477-4858.

Free Diabetes Class in Spanish

Second Friday of every month: Participants will learn the basics about blood sugar monitoring, healthy foods, portion sizes, medications and self-management skills from a certified diabetic educator during this free class. St. Joseph’s Medical Center, 1800 N. California St., Stockton. Information and registration: (209) 461-3251.Learn more on St. Joseph’s diabetes programs at www.StJosephsCares.org/Diabetes.

Big Brother/Big Sister

Second Sunday of month:Dameron Hospital, 525 W. Acacia St., Stockton, has a one-hour class meeting designed specifically for newborn’s siblings. Topics include family role, a labor/delivery tour and a video presentation which explains hand washing/germ control and other household hygiene activities. This community service class ends with a Certification of Completion certificate. Information/registration: Carolyn Sanders, RN(209) 461-3136 or www.Dameronhospital.org.

Outpatient Program Aimed at Teens

Two programs: Adolescents face a number of challenging issues while trying to master their developmental milestones. Mental health issues (including depression), substance abuse and family issues can hinder them from mastering the developmental milestones that guide them into adulthood. The Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) offered by St. Joseph’s Behavioral Health Center, 2510 N. California St., Stockton, is designed for those individuals who need comprehensive treatment for their mental, emotional or chemical dependency problems. This program uses Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to present skills for effective living. Patients learn how to identify and change distorted thinking, communicate effectively in relationships and regain control of their lives. The therapists work collaboratively with parents, doctors and schools. They also put together a discharge plan so the patient continues to get the help they need to thrive into adulthood.

PUBLIC HEALTH

San Joaquin County Public Health Services General Information

Recorded message line at (209) 469-8200, extension 2# for English and 3# for Spanish.

For further information, individuals may call the following numbers at Public Health Services:

For general vaccine and clinic questions, call (209) 468-3862;

For medical questions, call (209) 468-3822.

Health officials continue to recommend these precautionary measures to help protect against acquiring influenza viruses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use alcohol based sanitizers.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve, when you cough or sneeze.

Stay home if you are sick until you are free of a fever for 24 hours.

Get vaccinated.

Public Health Services Clinic Schedules (Adults and Children)

Immunization clinic hours are subject to change depending on volume of patients or staffing. Check the Public Health Services website for additional evening clinics or special clinics at www.sjcphs.org. Clinics with an asterisk (*) require patients to call for an appointment.

Lodi Health Center: 300 W. Oak St.; (209) 331-7303 or (800) 839-4949.

Immunizations: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Tuberculosis clinic*: Friday 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

HIV testing: second and fourth Friday 1:30-4 p.m.

WIC (Women, Infants & Children) Program

Does your food budget need a boost? The WIC Program can help you stretch your food dollars. This special supplemental food program for women, infants and children serves low-income women who are currently pregnant or have recently delivered, breastfeeding moms, infants, and children up to age 5. Eligible applicants receive monthly checks to use at any authorized grocery store for wholesome foods such as fruits and vegetables, milk and cheese, whole-grain breads and cereals, and more. WIC shows you how to feed your family to make them healthier and brings moms and babies closer together by helping with breastfeeding. WIC offers referrals to low-cost or free health care and other community services depending on your needs. WIC services may be obtained at a variety of locations throughout San Joaquin County:

Tracy (209) 831-5930

What You Need to Know About Joe’s Health Calendar

Have a health-oriented event the public in San Joaquin County should know about? Let me know at jgoldeen@recordnet.com and I’ll get it into my Health Calendar. I’m not interested in promoting commercial enterprises here, but I am interested in helping out nonprofit and/or community groups, hospitals, clinics, physicians and other health-care providers. Look for five categories: Community Events, News, Ongoing, Hospitals & Medical Groups, and Public Health.TO THE PUBLIC:I won’t list an item here from a source that I don’t know or trust. So I believe you can count on what you read here. If there is a problem, please don’t hesitate to let me know at (209) 546-8278 or jgoldeen@recordnet.com. Thanks, Joe

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Blog Author

Joe Goldeen

Joe Goldeen has been with The Record since 1990. He is an award-winning journalist and member of the California Endowment Health Journalism Fellowship. He is a native of Northern California with a bachelors degree in political economy from the ... Read Full